@UW Scientists have shown that 6PPD-quinone is so toxic that it kills many kinds of fish, including trout and char, even in minuscule freshwater concentrations.
It may harm other creatures too – including humans. We’re still learning.
@UW This summer, three Native American tribes that harvest salmon asked the EPA to declare 6PPD a toxic chemical and ban it. Several state attorneys general agreed.
Last week the EPA granted the petition, beginning a formal review.
In fact, EVs – which have no tailpipe emissions at all – could worsen tire pollution if they're heavier and more powerful than gas models, as seems likely.
@TheAtlantic Bottom line: It’s good news that the feds are investigating a very toxic tire chemical.
But given the myriad environmental harms attributable to cars – many of which are still little understood – there is a better option: Encourage other ways to travel.
Even today’s slowest cars are quick enough for normal driving. Blazing-fast acceleration is pointless, and it shreds tires while endangering others on the street.
A root problem: State DOTs use models that assume ongoing future growth in car traffic.
According to their models, only wider highways can keep cars from being mired in gridlock, spewing emissions as they inch forward. (Transit? Density? Not relevant, sorry.)